India v South Africa, 4th ODI: Predicted 11

February 9, 2018

Image Credit - Free Press Journal

Following their 124-run win in Cape Town, Virat Kohli-led Team India have taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 6-match ODI series against South Africa. As both the teams get ready to travel to Johannesburg for the 4th ODI on 10th February (Saturday), we take a look at the Predicted 11 line-ups for both teams.

The visitors have dominated every department in ODI cricket till now, with Virat Kohli being the highest scorer in the series with 318 runs, while Yuzvendra Chahal being the most lethal bowler with 11 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the 2nd ODI.

South Africa, on the other hand, have struggled hugely to deal with the absence of De Kock, Du Plessis and most importantly AB de Villiers. However, the good news for them is that De Villiers should be fit and match-ready for the 4th ODI. His return couldn’t have earlier for the team, who have barely been able to tackle the spin web that Chahal and Kuldeep have spun around them till now.

With the series still not completely in the bag, it is unlikely that Kohli will make any changes to his playing eleven, even though some players are very obviously struggling for form. South Africa, who introduced 2 newcomers in the 3rd ODI will need to shuffle their team around in order to fit the incoming De Villiers.

Here is India & South Africa’s Predicted 11 for the 4th ODI:

India Predicted 11

Rohit Sharma

It would be fair to say that Rohit Sharma has not enjoyed the best of tours till now, having scored just over 100 runs combined in test and ODI series. However, his prolific form in 2017, will convince the team management to continue with him even in foreign conditions where he has clearly struggled. If the Mumbai Indians captain was to be dropped, the management will need to do big shuffle around to give the side balance, which isn’t ideal right now.

Shikhar Dhawan

Having scored 162 runs in the 3 ODI’s so far at an impressive strike-rate of 109.46, Dhawan is in really good form. His partnership with Kohli in the 3rd ODI proved hugely crucial as none of the other Indian batsmen could get over the 15 run mark. The Delhi opener is one of the few players, who is guaranteed a spot on the team in all the 3 formats.

Virat Kohli

The ICC player of the year for the year 2017, Virat Kohli is arguably in the form of his life. The 29-year-old was the highest run-scorer in the test series and has continued into the ODI series in the same vein of form. With 2 hundreds to his name already in the series, Kohli is slowing inching towards that 49-century mark set by the great Sachin Tendulkar.

Ajinkya Rahane

The number 4 spot currently occupied by Ajinkya Rahane seems to be the only point for contention prior to the 2019 World Cup. However, Rahane has looked quite comfortable at that position in this series. He scored crucial 79 runs in the 1st ODI, helping his captain chase down South Africa’s target of 270.

Kedar Jadhav

If Ravi Shashtri and Kohli can find an able replacement for Jadhav, they might be tempted to change this around. But in the current situation with no back up players, the Maharashtra player has managed to hold on to a place in the playing XI, even though his contribution to the team has been close to nothing. The 32-year-old will need to start finding his touch, his stay in the team could be cut short.

MS Dhoni

It was just another day at the office for MS Dhoni as he became the 1st Indian and only the 4th player in the world to inflict over 400 dismissals in ODI cricket. The former Indian captain, however, is clearly struggling with his batting form, and might need a change in his batting position before the next year’s World Cup to bring the best out of him.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is another player who has been a huge disappointment on his tour albeit his 1st innings in the 1st test match. The all-rounder has bowled 20 overs in the ODI series without picking up a single wicket and has scored just 17 runs. The 24-year-old will need to figure out his game plan as soon as possible especially in foreign conditions if he wants to secure his place in the Indian team.

Yuzvendra Chahal

The highest wicket-taker in the ODI series, Chahal has been in sensational form alongside his spin bowling partner Kuldeep Yadav. The former Indian chess player is probably the main reason why India has been so dominant till now. The team will definitely be needing his services for the 4th ODI, following which he can be given a rest in order to fit the other squad players.

Kuldeep Yadav

With Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav has managed to form a lethal spin partnership. Both these players have become accustomed to bowling in tandem. The 23-year-old has picked up 10 wickets till now in the series including a crucial 4 wicket-haul in the 3rd ODI.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

After a superb test series, Bhuvneshwar is struggling a bit to find his rhythm especially with all his other bowling partners doing extremely well. The SRH seamer gives the team a very good batting option in the lower-order, however, the team management will be hoping that he can return to his best in terms of his bowling as that will be a huge weapon for Kohli to use in the remaining ODI’s

Jasprit Bumrah

With the spinners doing so well in the series, the Indian seamers have had to take a back seat. However, Bumrah has still managed to pick 4 wickets at a very tidy economy rate. Probably the best death over bowler in the world, Bumrah will be India’s most vital weapon when they take the field in the 2019 World Cup.